Warm weather activities like outdoor entertaining and gardening can be potentially dangerous to your animal companions. Be sure to keep your pets away from the following harmful food substances: alcoholic beverages, avocado, chocolate (all forms), coffee (all forms), fatty foods, garlic, macadamia nuts, moldy or spoiled foods, onions, onion powder, products sweetened with xylitol, raisins and grapes, salt, and yeast dough.

Other hazards include: toads, insects, spiders, snakes, scorpions, Blue-green algae in ponds, Citronella candles, Cocoa mulch, Compost piles, Fertilizers, Fly baits containing methomyl, Outdoor plants and plant bulbs, Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde, Swimming pool treatment supplies.

If your pet consumes a substance that you think might be toxic, call your veterinarian, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes a poisoned animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.

*information adapted from www.aspca.org